In preparation for the resumption of the nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR), the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has expressed concerns about the high figures of uncollected Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), totalling 295,856 in Ondo State.
The commission had on Monday announced that it would begin CVR exercise by August 12, as part of preparation for the 2027 general election.
The electoral body had explained that the CVR exercise was in line with constitutional provisions to accommodate those who had attained 18 years after the previous election, noting that it would commence with online pre-registration, which would be done through the INEC website across the 36 states.
Speaking during the second quarterly consultative meeting with the media held at the INEC headquarters in Akure, the Residents Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, Oluwatoyin Babalola, described the staggering number of uncollected PVCs in the state as worrisome and called for a collective effort from the media, civil society, political parties and traditional rulers.
Mrs Babalola disclosed that of the 2,053,061 registered voters in the state, only 1,757,205 have collected their PVCs, saying a significant portion of the electorate in the state stand disenfranchised if the trend continues.
“The state has a total of 2,053,061 registered voters while 1,757,205 Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) have been collected, and 295,856 remain uncollected,” she said.
The REC said voter registration was one of the pre-election activities in the country, stressing that it was a critical aspect of any democratic process, which served as the gateway and the primary means through which eligible citizens were enfranchised.
Giving details of the CVR, she said the beginning of the exercise was not a licence for any campaign activities, as notice of election had not been issued by the National Chairman of INEC, Prof Mahmood Yakubu.
Mrs Babalola explained that the registration exercise targets seven categories of citizens: new registrants who just turned 18, those unable to register previously, individuals seeking to transfer registration, voters with accreditation issues, citizens needing data updates, those with defaced or lost PVCs, and people collecting unclaimed PVCs.
“The CVR exercise will continue until August 2026; however, it will be temporarily stopped in December 2025 to facilitate the harvesting and processing of data collected from August to December 2025. After this short break, the exercise will resume early next year.”
The REC issued a warning against double or multiple registrations, citing the Electoral Act 2022, which prescribes a fine of N100,000, one year imprisonment, or both, for offenders.
“Those already registered must not re-register. It is illegal and punishable under the law,” she cautioned.
Mrs Babalola, however, said all 19 centres designated for the exercise are ready for commencement, while the INEC Enrolment Devices (IVEDs) required for the exercise are available in sufficient quantity, well labelled, fully charged and ready for deployment.
“As we approach the commencement of the CVR, I want to use this opportunity to call on all eligible citizens to take advantage of this opportunity to register, update their information and collect their PVC during the exercise.
“In the same vein, I urge all political parties, civil society organisations, faith-based groups, youths, women’s groups and traditional leaders to join us in mobilising the populace for the success of the CVR exercise.
“A credible voter register is the bedrock of a credible election. Let me conclude by reaffirming INEC’s commitment to transparency, professionalism and inclusivity throughout the registration process.”